Flexible working requests from nursery staff are becoming increasingly common and it’s not easy to balance operational requirements with staff needs.
When managed well, flexible working requests in nurseries can benefit both staff and the children in your care. Understanding how to handle these requests effectively can lead to a happier, more productive team. Early Years HR can provide guidance and template letters to support you at every step.
Understanding Flexible Working Requests
A flexible working request is a formal application by an employee to adjust their hours, patterns, or location to suit personal circumstances. Common reasons include childcare responsibilities, education, or achieving a better work-life balance.
Recognising the reasons behind requests helps nursery owners respond empathetically while maintaining operational needs, but those dealing with a request must not let their own opinion of the reason influence the outcome.
Speaking to an independent HR Consultant can help busy Nursery Managers manage requests fairly and objectively.
2024 Flexible Working Legal Update
From 6 April 2024, UK legislation (Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023) updated the rules for flexible working:
- Employees can request flexible working from day one of employment.
- Up to two statutory requests are allowed per 12 months.
- Employers must respond, including any appeals, within two months.
- Employers are required to consult with the employee before rejecting a request.
- Employees are no longer required to explain the potential business impact or mitigation strategies
Benefits for Nursery Owners
Flexible working can improve staff retention, reduce turnover, and increases job satisfaction; all important elements for high quality, child-focused care and education. It can also boost productivity, engagement, and creativity while reducing absenteeism. Offering flexibility can enhance your nursery’s reputation and attract high-calibre staff. But, it’s not always possible to approve a request for flexible working and that’s when the way the process is managed is crucial for protecting your business.
Handling Flexible Working Requests
A clear policy is essential. It should outline the process for applying, what will happen at each stage and decision timeframes. Standardised request forms from Early Years HR help capture all necessary information.
When a request is received, acknowledge it promptly and meet with the employee to discuss needs, impacts, and possible alternatives. Maintain an open, empathetic dialogue. Early Years HR can advise on meeting structure and provide template letters for approvals, refusals, or compromises.
Written responses should clearly outline agreed arrangements or reasons for refusal, with alternatives where possible. Using Early Years HR template letters ensures professionalism and legal compliance.
Declining a Request
You can only reject a request if it’s for one or more of the following business reasons:
- it will cost your business too much
- you cannot reorganise the work among other staff
- you cannot recruit more staff
- there will be a negative effect on quality of work
- there will be a negative effect on the business’s ability to meet customer demand
- there will be a negative effect on performance
- there’s not enough work for your employee to do when they’ve requested to work
- there are planned changes to the business, for example, you intend to reorganise or change the business and think the request will not fit with these plans
Before deciding to decline a request, you must consult with the employee. For support and guidance on managing a flexible working request, including reaching a decision, Early Years HR provides pay-as-you go consultancy services so you’re not tied into an ongoing contract.
Conclusion
Managing flexible working requests requires balancing staff needs with nursery operations. Understanding the legal framework, recognising the benefits, and following best practices helps create a supportive environment where staff and children thrive, and protects your business.
Early Years HR can guide nursery owners at every step, providing advice, template letters, and training to manage requests professionally and fairly. Get in touch today to see how we can help your nursery.
